Can Tho cooperates to enhance resilience to climate change

Can Tho City Department of Construction and Fukuoka City Department of Roads and Drainage signed a memorandum of understanding - Photo: VGP/LS

Attending the signing ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee; Mr. Le Anh Dung, Director of Can Tho City Department of Construction; leaders of the Department of Transport and Fokouda City; experts, scientists and JICA (Japan).

Accordingly, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the Department of Construction of Can Tho City and Fukuoka City (Japan) implemented this project within the framework of JICA's Development Partnership Program. The project's funding comes from non-refundable aid, paid directly by JICA for project activities through Fukuoka City.

Mr. Takeshita Kazuhiro, Director of the Road and Drainage Department of Fukuoka City, said: Through the JICA project, Fukuoka City will promote and utilize the experience and expertise in advanced technology in drainage systems as well as international technical cooperation initiatives that the city has accumulated, in coordination with Can Tho City to address three issues of Can Tho City. These are damage caused by flooding and discharge of untreated wastewater into public water sources; ineffective management and operation of existing wastewater treatment plants; and lack of understanding and cooperation from the public in connecting drainage pipes in privately owned areas to the public drainage system.

Through this project, we aim to better manage flooding and improve the water environment of Can Tho City, contributing to the sustainable and safe development of Can Tho City for all people, contributing to the socio-economic development of the Mekong Delta region.

At the signing ceremony, the Japanese side introduced the drainage and wastewater treatment system of Fukuoka City and an overview of JICA's Development Partnership Program; and the development of a water-saving city in Fukuoka City. Fukuoka City has made efforts to implement various measures such as building a water-saving city by reusing treated water, improving water quality through advanced wastewater treatment technology, and comprehensive flood prevention measures. The city's wastewater treatment coverage rate has reached 99.9%, contributing significantly to improving public sanitation and protecting the water quality of public water areas.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc He emphasized: The signing ceremony is an important milestone in the cooperative relationship between Can Tho City and Fukuoka City, at the same time demonstrating the spirit of friendship, commitment to sustainable development and towards a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful future.

In recent times, Can Tho City has proactively implemented many solutions to improve the efficiency of management and operation of the drainage and wastewater treatment system in urban areas. However, the results are still limited due to lack of capital and human resources. The city has been actively coordinating with international organizations, including JICA, to research and seek funding sources for implementation. With advanced technologies, effective management models and valuable lessons from Fukuoka City, Can Tho City will have more breakthrough solutions and experiences in improving the quality of the drainage system, contributing to creating a sustainable living environment for people.

Le Son